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Vacuum the inside and outside of your antique trunk. Use a brush attachment to gently vacuum along the inner walls and corners of the trunk. Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.
How do you clean an old rusty trunk?
Rub the rust in a circular motion with steel wool, remembering that steel and tin, which are harder, may require a wire brush, while brass, which is softer, might be quickly restored with steel wool. Still, a heavy buildup of rust on brass might require the wire brush.
How do you get the smell out of an old trunk?
If any odor remains, place a small bowl filled with white vinegar in the bottom of the trunk and close the lid. Vinegar is a natural odor absorber and neutralizer that will help rid the trunk of odor. Leave the bowl of vinegar inside the trunk overnight.
How do you clean an old canvas trunk?
A spray bottle filled with one part white vinegar and one part water is the best solution for cleaning metal trunks. The paper-lined interior of trunks can be gently cleaned by spraying vinegar on your cleaning cloth and wiping it down with a soft cloth.
How do I know if my old trunk is valuable?
If you paint anything on the trunk black or gold (metal banding, corners, etc) the trunk’s value will fall in the low end of the range. Having the original key pushes the value up, as do any types of tags or labels indicating who made the trunk.
How much is an antique trunk worth?
The average American made antique trunk is worth about $100 to $300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $1300.
How do you clean tarnished metal?
Make a paste from vinegar, flour, and salt to clean heavily tarnished items. A good scrub with a mild vinegar solution should be enough to restore most metals.
How do you remove rust from antique metal?
Make a paste from 3:1 parts salt and lemon juice. Apply the salt-lemon paste with a paper towel. Scrub rust away with a scrub pad using firm pressure and small circular motions. Wipe the rust and excess rust-removal paste away with a damp paper towel.
How do you clean old metal?
Avoid soaking, simply wash with warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. Never use a dishwasher. Dry thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth. Store in tarnish inhibiting bags in a dry place.
How do you get mothball smell out of an old trunk?
To remove mothball odor from an old trunk use cheap coffee. Just put it in a nylon that you tie or just sprinkle into the trunk. I did this to a 1800 trunk that even smelled up glassware. It really works.
How do you get rid of old smells?
An open container of baking soda or white vinegar, kept in an unobtrusive place (for example on top of your kitchen cupboards), can help absorb smells and clear the air. Experts also recommend FreshWave or DampRid, two all-natural substances that absorb smells and trap excess moisture in the air.
How do you clean antique canvas?
The simplest way to clean up an oil or acrylic painting on canvas is to use a white cotton cloth soaked in a gentle soapy water; olive oil–based soap works wonders. You’ll be surprised to see how much grime comes off. Be gentle with paintings with thick impasto, as you do not want to break hardened paint.
Can you paint an old trunk?
Clean and sand the trunk until it is free of any dust and has a smooth texture. Dip a paintbrush into the paint until it is barely covered. Wipe it off on a soft cloth to reduce the amount of paint on the bristles. Brush the paint onto the trunk with an light pressure, letting the trunk’s original finish show through.
What are steamer trunks made of?
Typically, the body of a steamer trunk is made from thick wood or metal, and it is often strapped with metal or leather bands to ensure that it is extremely sturdy. A frame of metal or wood may be enclosed inside the steamer trunk so that it can endure heavy impacts and the weight of luggage stacked on top of it.
How much is a Saratoga trunk worth?
If you have provenance of your trunk belonging to a historical figure or have a rare style of trunk such as a Saratoga trunk it is best to leave it as is. Most common trunk values range from 50 to 200 dollars depending on the venue it is being sold in and how much the buyer is willing to pay.
How much is a Louis Vuitton trunk worth?
Highlighted by a number of pieces — like the Christopher backpack, Keepall duffel bag, accessories and two footwear styles — the most newsworthy piece was the Louis Vuitton trunk, which will retail for a whopping $68,500 (all prices in USD) — double a regular in-house trunk.
What is trunk luggage?
A trunk, also known as a travel trunk, is a large cuboid container designed to hold clothes and other personal belongings. They are most commonly used for extended periods away from home, such as for boarding school, or long trips abroad.
What are old steamer trunks worth?
These are the two most important factors in determining the value of your antique steamer trunk. Louis Vuitton trunks will sell for between $3000 and $20,000 while an unmarked steamer trunk will only sell for between $75 and $100. Martin Maier and Goyard steamer trunks may sell for between $500 and $3000.
What are old trunks made out of?
They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as “Camelback Trunks”), and full dresser trunks.
